advanced reading copy of ADOPTING GRACE
165 of 186

After a screech and scrape of metal against metal, a little advice from the man in the backseat, and a panic response that led to the meeting of the left rear bumper and a brick wall, I took a big, deep breath. “Now I have to tell your dad” came out of my mouth. Heart pounding and feeling a little sick and sheepish, I drove around to meet my most loving and gracious husband. No one, most of all me, wanted this unfortunate car vs dumpster situation to cloud or color the event before us. After apologies, contrition, and an agreement that it was most important to put this aside until much later, we traveled to our downtown destination. I practiced deep breathing and resolved to settle down for this most important celebration before us. My backseat passenger and his dad noticed my elevated stress level and massaged my shoulders to assist in relief. It was a generous and welcome laying on of hands. After an hour of technology set up, a space in which I can feel most inept, we worked through the issues and were on our way to rehearse for the wedding ceremony. From that point, all went well on this day. The energy was high, relationships were formed and renewed, and stories were shared. We enjoyed the video of bride and groom childhood photos set to sentimental songs. The video that I lovingly prepared then transitioned into a visual narrative of this couple’s story. I went to bed most grateful. Around 6:00 am, we heard groaning and crying in the loft above our room. Our youngest girl complained of stomach ADOPTING GRACE ADVANCED READING COPY 165